Empowering Rural Communities in Bolivia
Programme Healthy Municipalities
Bolivia, a nation celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and abundant natural resources, faces considerable socio-economic challenges. High levels of poverty and inequality, particularly within indigenous and rural communities, are exacerbated by the country’s rugged terrain, which hinders access to remote areas. Limited availability of quality education, healthcare, and basic services further increases the vulnerability of these populations.
Despite economic growth and development efforts, many Bolivian communities remain marginalized. Rural areas suffer from inadequate infrastructure and scarce resources, making it difficult to access essential services. The challenging geography compounds these difficulties, resulting in persistent disparities in education and healthcare, keeping many families trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Objective
Our goal is to empower rural communities by increasing income, improving healthcare, and enriching education. Initiated in 2006, the Healthy Municipalities Program (PMS) continuously evolves to address changing local needs, supporting vulnerable communities with limited access to public services.
Activities
We adopt a holistic and collaborative approach, working closely with communities and local governments to promote sustainable economic and social development. Our activities are diverse and tailored to the specific needs of each community, delivering essential services directly where they are needed.
Our 9 operational local teams, each consisting of a doctor, dentist, educational specialist, and agronomist, use specially equipped vehicles to travel to remote regions. Implemented over a three-year cycle with continuous renewal, the project focusses on the following areas: Healthcare – our medical team provides basic medical and dental treatment, raises awareness of healthy habits, and strengthens the public health system; Education – in collaboration with school authorities, we improve access to education, enhance teaching standards, and upgrade school environments; Livelihood – through vocational training and coaching, we empower communities to increase the added value of local agriculture, boost family income, and establish farmers’ cooperatives, fostering sustainable development in line with ecological principles.
Outcome and Impact
Operating for over two decades in Bolivia, the Healthy Municipalities Program has a track record of significant positive outcomes and sustainable impact for remote highland communities.
- Healthcare: Improved health, thanks to better access to basic medical and dental care, and increased awareness of healthy and nutritional habits, resulting in higher self-esteem and quality of life. There has been a significant reduction in common oral diseases among students and the general population, and a decrease in school absences due to health issues. We have seen a shift in patient mindset towards adapting hygiene practices. Furthermore, healthcare facilities have been improved and/or created and working hand in hand with hospitals and medical institutions, patients with specific cases have been able to seek critical treatment.
- Education: Enhanced educational standards and environments, leading to better learning outcomes for children. Improved schooling infrastructure and food quality in schools through awareness campaigns and initiatives like school gardens. Carpentry, marketing, and leadership workshops have strengthened labour market prospects. Developing didactic materials and tailored teaching resources has resulted in engaging learning environments that have increased motivation and excitement in classrooms.
- Livelihood: Increased family incomes through improved agricultural practices and vocational training, foster sustainable economic development. Access to clean water and essential services, contributed to the overall well-being and resilience of the communities.
Healthcare
Improved health, thanks to better access to basic medical and dental care, and increased awareness of healthy and nutritional habits, resulting in higher self-esteem and quality of life. There has been a significant reduction in common oral diseases among students and the general population, and a decrease in school absences due to health issues. We have seen a shift in patient mindset towards adapting hygiene practices. Furthermore, healthcare facilities have been improved and/or created and working hand in hand with hospitals and medical institutions, patients with specific cases have been able to seek critical treatment.
Education
Enhanced educational standards and environments, leading to better learning outcomes for children. Improved schooling infrastructure and food quality in schools through awareness campaigns and initiatives like school gardens. Carpentry, marketing, and leadership workshops have strengthened labour market prospects. Developing didactic materials and tailored teaching resources has resulted in engaging learning environments that have increased motivation and excitement in classrooms.
Livelihood
Increased family incomes through improved agricultural practices and vocational training, foster sustainable economic development. Access to clean water and essential services, contributed to the overall well-being and resilience of the communities.
Facts & Figures
2006-2023
impacted individuals
children recovered from malnutrition
children cavity-free
medical and dental check-ups
Join us in transforming the lives of Bolivia’s remote highland communities.
